frame strength

How can you stengthen a frame on a vehicle? What do you do, place supports on certain places, rebuild the frame, etc?

I'm asking because i was wondering about putting a diesel engine (probably the ford 7.5L powerstroke) into an old musclecar (like a corvette, chevelle, nova), this of course is one of my theoretical projects that will probably never happen but it's fun to dream.

How can you stengthen a frame on a vehicle? What do you do, place supports on certain places, rebuild the frame, etc?

You can either add strategically placed members to an existing frame or build the frame from scratch.

Ideally it is best to build from scratch, but that it is not always practical.

Either way the main points are the same. First you need to have the minimum structural strength to support the required vehicle systems (i.e. engine, seats, driver, suspension, doors, etc).

After that you need to decide what type of additional strength you want. Do you need torsional rigidity, roll-over protection, side impact, etc.

Finally, determine what is your goal and/or constraints in the area you wish to improve.

Ultimately, you want the frame to be only strong enough to meet you goal, any stronger adds unnecessary weight.

box your frame man. most frames on trucks and older rear drive cars are in the shape of a C. weld some metal to the open side to close it in and you should have a strong enough frame to do just about whatever you want

I agree box the frame..................but do not do this swap.

I have removed and replaced several Ford/International 7.5's and 6.9 diesel engines and they are fawking heavy!!!
Like about 1000 lbs heavy, fully dressed.

This is about double the weight of a typical cast iron gas V8. The car would handle like a cow and dramatically overstress the front suspension components.

Also these blocks are pretty tall. You would need one heck of a hood bulge to clear it.

Someone has been leg humping Curtis...


Go full tube chassis/cage.